Net 15 is the sweet spot for most freelancers and small agencies. Wait only 15 days instead of 30, cutting your cash gap in half. Clients still get fair terms, but you get paid fast enough to operate without borrowing. It works.
Why Net 15 Works Better Than Net 30
The math is simple. At $5,000 weekly invoices on Net 30, you float roughly $20,000. At 6% annual interest, that costs $1,200 yearly. Switch to Net 15, and you float only $10,000, cutting cost to $600. Real savings.
Net 15 cuts collection risk too. A client paying day 16 is on time. One paying day 31 on Net 30 is late, even by one day. Net 15 narrows the window, so you catch failures fast and escalate harder.
Net 15 also filters bad clients early. A client demanding Net 30 when they’ll pay late is a problem. One accepting Net 15 signals they respect terms. Small sign, but it matters.
How to Propose Net 15
When quoting new clients, propose Net 15 as standard. Don’t apologize: “Payment due Net 15. We accept [methods].” Most small businesses won’t push back.
If a client wants Net 30, compromise at Net 20. This splits the difference. You get faster payment than Net 30, they get more time than Net 15.
For clients who must have Net 30 (usually corporations), add a condition: 2% off for payment within 10 days. This pushes faster payment and eases longer terms.
Net 15 for Different Client Types
Startups often like Net 15 because they get cash flow. They’ll accept it, especially with a small discount for payment within 7 days. Offer 1% off for Net 7, and you get paid almost instantly.
Small businesses accept Net 15 without negotiation. They expect standard terms and aren’t trying to use you for free financing. Net 15 feels professional.
Larger companies push back for Net 30 or longer. Don’t negotiate—they have fixed policies. Accept their terms but watch their payments closely.
Agencies and freelancers on retainer often use Net 15 monthly. Invoice the first, they pay by the 15th. Predictable rhythm, easy collection.
Enforcing Net 15 Consistently
Good payment terms only work if you enforce them. Net 15 with no follow-up is really Net 30.
Follow up on every unpaid invoice by day 12. Keep it friendly: “Hi, invoice #12345 for $5,000 is due May 15th. Just confirming we have the right payment details. Let me know if questions.” This catches problems before they become late.
By day 17, send a direct message: “Payment for invoice #12345 was due May 15th. When should I expect it?” Use Waco3 or similar to send these automatically, cutting follow-up friction.
By day 22 with no payment, you have a problem. Escalate. Call, ask why, set a new date. Most delays are oversights, but you must catch them fast.
Net 15 only works if you enforce it and follow up immediately when late.
Net 15 With Early Payment Incentives
Offer 1.5% off for payment within 7 days. On a $5,000 invoice, that’s $75. Clients win, you get paid faster. At 6% annual interest, that $75 discount costs less than financing for 8 more days.
Corporate clients especially respond. Their accounting teams chase discounts. Offer 1% Net 7 and they’ll make sure it’s paid by day 7. Free money for them, fast payment for you.
When Net 15 Isn’t Enough
For tight cash or high-value projects, use Net 10 or Net 5. Payment in a week keeps cycles tight. Especially useful for one-off projects where you can demand upfront payment.
For retainer work with new clients, try 50% upfront, 50% on Net 15. This cuts your float to one invoice instead of two.
For clients with late payment history, use Net 7 or upfront payment. Relax once they prove reliable.
Net 15 is standard for businesses needing cash but wanting fair terms. Faster than Net 30, more acceptable than Net 7, tight enough to reduce risk. Propose with confidence and enforce consistently.
Related: How Net 30 Works With Invoicing and What Happens If an Invoice Is Paid Late?
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